About CRS
CRS is an international NGO based in the United States that works in over 100 countries to promote human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies. CRS was established in 1943 to help war-torn Europe and its refugees recover. Today, we continually seek to help those most in need, without regard to race, creed or nationality.

Job Summary:
CRS is seeking a Inclusive Education Research and Assessment Officer for an anticipated five-year USAID-funded Education Resilience Activity (ERA) project in Pakistan. This program will support the Ministries of Education to improve the education systems’ climate resilience and inclusiveness of marginalized populations, particularly girls and children with disabilities.
Inclusive Education Research and Assessment Officer will be responsible to lead in-country efforts on research design, including pilot project scoping and methodologies, design of survey questionnaires and observation tools, coordination of learner assessment design activities, and ongoing monitoring of UDL implementation in schools. Following pilot research, may pivot scope of work to additional work will focus on supporting increased scaling of UDL program in additional districts and schools. This position based on Islamabad and will report to Sr. Technical Advisor. S/He will foster a positive environment of collaboration with project stakeholders including but not limited to other donors, Technical and Consortium members, Partner with the public and private sectors to strengthen local education systems.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:
Under Technical Advisor Inclusive Education guidance and in collaboration with MEAL focal persons, prepare and manage research and assessment components for ERA project during implementation and consolidation.
Take a leadership role in designing research initiatives related to inclusive education, including clearly define methodologies and develop tools. Design survey questionnaires and observation tools that align with research objectives and inclusive education principles.
Coordinate activities related to learner assessment design, ensuring the development of assessments that are inclusive and aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. Monitor the implementation of learner assessments and gather data for analysis and reporting.
Based on the findings from research, contribute to scoping efforts for scaling the UDL program to additional districts and schools. Provide insights and recommendations for optimizing the scalability and impact of the inclusive education program.
Prepare comprehensive reports on research activities, assessment outcomes, and the implementation of UDL in schools. Document lessons learned and best practices for future reference and improvement.
Foster a positive and collaborative environment with project stakeholders, including donors, Technical and Consortium members, and partners from the public and private sectors.
Contribute to the strategic planning process by providing research-backed insights and recommendations for the improvement and expansion of inclusive education initiatives. Collaborate with the Technical Advisor to align research findings with project strategies.
Stay informed about the latest developments in inclusive education, UDL, and related fields. Engage in continuous professional development to enhance skills and knowledge in designing inclusive educational research activities.
Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and recommend trainings and technical assistance.
Understand and practice safeguarding policy, procedures, and code of conduct to mitigate, avoid and manage safeguarding risks for both staff and beneficiaries.

Basic Qualifications

• A master’s degree in journalism, Social Sciences, or relevant discipline from an accredited, recognized university.
• Minimum of five years of professional experience in successfully designing IEC material and training material.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and mobilize diverse partners, developing stakeholder networks, and successfully communicating and coordinating among key stakeholders.
• Sound understanding of the education landscape of the region or Pakistan.
• Technical understanding and experience in leading Research work.

Required Languages – English, Urdu and any local languages is preferable.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 50 %.
PS: Women and Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. Kindly indicate your disability in your application in order to make adequate arrangements for further recruitment process.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Very good strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Very good relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recognized technical experience and qualifications in Gender Studies, Social Sciences, International Development or Education.
• Experience in engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.
• Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, Power Point, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications.
• Previous experience in development of assessments and research tasks for education projects.
• Understanding of education systems, policies, and practices, especially those related to inclusive education.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills to effectively convey data driven reports.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Head of Programs, Head of Operations, Country Manager, Country Finance Manager, Director Finance and operations, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Advisor, Field Managers, Communication Officer, Education Technical teams
External: USAID, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Education, Consortium members leadership, other donors ‘and communities.
We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer
CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.


PS: Women and Persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply. Kindly indicate your disability in your application in order to make adequate arrangements for further recruitment process.